Is Comfrey worth it?

[DiggersJo]

I've only recently grown comfrey as a trial and wondered about the claims, this article from gardenmyths.com suggests it's not worth it. What do people here think?

 

[Meadowlark]

I purchased some seeds to try this out myself this season but unfortunately lost the seeds.

I have my doubts but would like to see for myself.

 

[Chuck]

I grew it for a few years and used it for insect bites such as chiggers and mosquitos. It works good for that, don't know about any other uses though.

 

[smitty55]

I started growing it 4 years back and now have six plants around the property. I have one large barrel on the go all summer with comfrey tea brewing as a fertilizer. I also dry leaves and make tinctures and oils with them with the intention to make salves. I traded root pieces for perennials to someone who wanted to plant them around fruit trees as in permaculture due to their benefit as a dynamic accumulator in drawing nutrients from deep in the ground. Haven't needed it for wounds or injuries but I have it on hand should the need arise. The government advises against internal use but many naturalists still use it that way in moderation. They flower prolifically and are fantastic for drawing in pollinators. I've found them to be a great addition to my 1 acre plot here. They are also excellent as a compost accelerator.

7 Impressive Benefits of Comfrey | Organic Facts

Comfrey has the ability to reduce pain, avoid inflammation, boost the immune & respiratory system, promote health & growth, strengthen bones, heal skin, prevent cancer

www.organicfacts.net

 

[roadrunner]

I've only recently grown comfrey as a trial and wondered about the claims, this article from gardenmyths.com suggests it's not worth it. What do people here think?

I think he's right, simply because there are so many things, not just in gardening, where information spreads like wildfire, regardless of if it's correct or not.

The author in your link just made a video, based on the article you linked.

 

[javert]

Toby Hemenway in Gaea's garden has a special section on Comfrey. He does mention the nutrient accumulator and deep roots arguments that are questioned in that article, but he also brings a lot more uses.
- The flowers attract pollinators.
- The leaves can be mashed for a poultice that heals wounds, even bone injuries.
- Produces lots of biomass for mulching and composting.
- Even if deep roots where only for storing, by cutting the plant the roots die off and nourish the deep ground.

 

[DiggersJo]

Toby Hemenway in Gaea's garden has a special section on Comfrey. He does mention the nutrient accumulator and deep roots arguments that are questioned in that article, but he also brings a lot more uses.
- The flowers attract pollinators.
- The leaves can be mashed for a poultice that heals wounds, even bone injuries.
- Produces lots of biomass for mulching and composting.
- Even if deep roots where only for storing, by cutting the plant the roots die off and nourish the deep ground.

Certainly there are a couple of the above that I like about the comfrey. The flowers are superb as far as the bees are concerned - they love it. I've cut mine down 3-4 times now and it's time to do so again, this has produced 500ml of concentrated plant extract so far. I've not used it as tea feed yet, but went for a concentrate. I've used this as "feed" for the French beans and courgettes (aka zucchini to me and our across the pond friends). To date there is little or no difference that I've noticed with the produce, but little I do is very scientific. The residue from the concentrate production is a very dark brown squelch and its going in the compost pile. Not much used as a mulch, but I intend to give that a go at some point. It was good to watch the video, but there was a little too much "there is no evidence" repetition for my liking. The comment on the space usage is very valid, but for me nothing much grew very well in this area and the comfrey certainly does. I also don't find it a lot of bother to use i.e. I cut the plant down, put it in a large plant pot which is inside a bucket. A big stone goes back on to press it down - done! But the bees are my big attraction to it.

 

[smitty55]

I think he's right, simply because there are so many things, not just in gardening, where information spreads like wildfire, regardless of if it's correct or not.

The author in your link just made a video, based on the article you linked.

I'm not a fan of that clown from garden myths at all. It all started when he claimed it was fine to call himself an organic gardener even though he used chemical ferts. He's far too full of himself.

 

[blenor]

Just about drained a bucket of comfrey yesterday when watering. About a largish mug of the tea in each can of water. Also used as a foliar feed on runner beans, cabbage, courgettes and squash plants. I'm pretty convinced that it helps. Although comfrey plants have been struggling in our heatwave and have needed a drop of water themselves. May have to grow some more plants to enable a continuous supply of feed. Topped up the bucket with water and a few extra leaves and it should be usable in a few days. Have also on occasion been using diluted seaweed concentrate and sprinkling around some chicken manure pellets.

 

[Ishikagarg29]

Comfrey is definitely worth a try if you're looking to boost your soil naturally, but results can depend on your setup and how you use it. In my experience, pairing plants like comfrey with unique growing methods can really enhance plant health and vigor. If you're experimenting, consider how comfrey might complement your other plants or growing styles—it's all about finding what works best for your garden ecosystem.

 

[Mike Allen]

From a homeopathic aspect. Comfrey is a great healing remedy for broken bones. Hence it's nickname...stitchbone.

 

[big rockpile]

Funny just the other day I was talking with my sister and she has Comfrey. I told her I started using Borage.

She said later you know Comfrey and Borage are kin?

big rockpile

 

[PaulZone8b]

Talking about Comfrey.... remember, there are 2 varieties. The regular kind you can buy seeds for called Common (I think) and the other "sterile" one from I think Russia called Bocking 14. That one is better nutrients but because its sterile, you have to get cuttings from someone who has it already. I got a 2-3 inch cutting from a friend, put it in good soil (my own homemade compost) and it took off. Its about 2 ft tall and wide after 6-8 months. I do cut the outer leaves for my "stinky bucket" concentrate (along with other weeds and leaves in there).

 

[Meadowlark]

Howdy @PaulZone8b . Good to hear from you again.

 

[Meadowlark]

She said later you know Comfrey and Borage are kin?

Sister is correct, "Same plant family: Both are members of the Boraginaceae family, also known as the borage family."

Shared characteristics:

• Hairy, textured leaves
• Similar growth habits
• Historically used in herbal medicine
• Attractive flowers that support pollinators